ABSTRACT
Introduction: Work teams provide good platforms for optimal use of organizational capacities and have always been considered as one of the important factors in promoting productivity and increasing satisfaction among employees. This study aimed at understanding the function and effectiveness of work teams in medical universities in Iran
Methods: In this descriptive- analytic study, conducted in 2012-2013, 13 vice-Chancellery for Health in Medical Universities were randomly selected. This survey was conducted on managers and experts. Data collection was done using a researcher made questionnaire, the validity and reliability of which was confirmed. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0 through related statistical tests at a significant level of ? <0.05
Results: The average membership of managers and experts in internal, academic, provincial and ministerial teams was 1.2 +/- 0.9, 1.2 +/- 0.8, 1.0 +/- 0.5 and 0.2 +/- 0.04, respectively.78.4% of the membership was with official notification, and 76.2% with invitation to the meeting. 76.2% of working team members stated that the present work teams enjoy organized approaches. Deployment level, assessment, renovation and effectiveness of work teams, from managers and experts' perspectives, was 0.9 +/- 3.4, 0.8 +/- 3.2, 0.9 +/- 3.4, respectively. There was a significant difference [p=0.0140], [p=0.032] among deployment level, membership frequency of managers and experts in different work teams and types of medical universities
Conclusion: The Performance and effectiveness of team works was at average level; therefore, it is recommended to design and implement intervention programs leading to improved performance